Saix

Nar Shaddaa

<Snipped quote by Saix>

That's okay; Selene has enough history with Hutts.

She's really only on Nar Shaddaa for a black market deal. But if someone wanted to become part of that deal, to be a contact for it, or just wanted to run into Selene this could all be fun small scenes I'm always up for.

@Ruby

Ahh!Then maybe in the hangar we are meeting up in? @f0un,@Jackdaw, and my red shirts are about to meet up at the port.

Nar Shaddaa

@The Wyrm Is away on vacation atm so you won't have a Hutt reaction for another 2 1/2 weeks :/

Changing plans to have Nar Shadda be my introduction setting for Selene.

Lemme know if you wanna plot something with a Dark Force user.

@Ruby

Nar Shaddaa

Khulbe's Palace - Nima Tarkona

---

Nima caught the glass with ease and carefully sipped the drink. She typically wasn't one for hard liquor or heavy drinking as it doesn't take much for her to start feeling it's effects. She also isn't a fan of how it causes one to lose control over their mind and body.

"Touching, at this time, isn't an issue since permission was expressly given by Master Khulbe. If you want to touch me, you will be free to do so. Otherwise, if that permission wasn't extended, just me being in this room would have spelt trouble for the three of us were I to be found here." She took another sip of the brown liquor, "Drinking also falls under the same category."

She held the cup in her hands, almost unsure how to continue. She was afraid, but she wasn't sure if she was afraid of his answer or how it might change her. Subconsciously, she started to spin the glass cup between the tips of her fingers as she finally brought herself to ask him the question that has been bothering her since the hangar incident. "Why did you stand up for the girl?"

Jast took a long drink, draining half of the liquor from the crystal glass before setting it down and taking a seat on one of the several high rise stools that flanked the marble counter. He motioned to the seat beside him, extending an invitation to sit. "You mean the Zelosian?" he asked after the moment's pause, his words slow and deliberate. Guarded, maybe. "Seemed like the right thing to do, I guess." He took another sip of the liquor.

At his invitation, she took the seat next to him, arranging her skirts carefully around her. Nima continued to play with her glass. "This is Nar Shadaa, Captain, no one does anything because it's the right thing to do. Especially when some stranger nearly screws up a business deal for them..."

"That's not how it is where I come from," Jast answered, leaning on the counter as he considered the liquor. He turned the glass in a slow circle. "I've been doing this for a while," he continued, "but I've never found it easy to leave the ideals of the Republic in the Republic. The worlds and the people out here are different, but I'm not." He took another sip, set the glass down again and returned his eyes to hers. "I don't know what happens to a girl who falls into Khulbe's hands, but I had a chance to keep it from happening. So I kept it from happening."

"Master Khulbe is probably the best a slave could ask for, which I know is surprising. He makes sure we are looked after." She never had to explain what it meant to live under Khulbe before, but most times her guests weren't concerned about holding a conversation with her. "I only hear comments here and there about the Republic. What exactly are their ideals? Is it really so different as here?"

Jast smirked, exhaled something resembling a small, mirthless laugh. "I don't know. It's a big place. Individual rights, though. Liberty. Freedom. That kind of thing." He took another drink, pausing to collect his thoughts. "There's no slavery. Well, I mean, there is, but it's illegal. Mostly. Like I said, it's a big, complicated place. Generally speaking, though, you're allowed to do what you want. Drink what you want to drink. Touch who you want to touch."

"There are free Twi'lek women here Captain, they are just few and far between. Most are sold by family, some sell themselves, and others..." she trailed off, taking another sip of her drink not wanting to finish that trail of thought. This was a door she hasn't opened in a long time. "How many twi'leks have you seen look like me?"

“A few, maybe? I couldn’t say.”

"And how many of them still have their freedom? Can live their lives how they choose to without fear?

“Maybe not so much here. But back home, for me, yes,” Jast answered. “The laws protect everyone in the Republic. So yes. If they lived on Coruscant, Corellia, Alsakan, yes. They could.”

"Here there is no freedom..." Nima ran a finger across her collar as she spoke. "What if she betrays you? Would it still be worth it?"

Jast shrugged, uncorking the liquor and pouring another glass. “I don’t know.” He put the harsh liquid back with practiced ease. “It’s not a crazy idea. We’re taking precautions with her while we’re in the air, just in case. It’s not safe bringing strangers aboard, but I think it’s worth giving her the chance. Considering the circumstances.” He rolled the crystal glass on the rounded edge. “What makes you so curious, Nima?”

Nima leaned back into the stool, crossing her arms as she spoke, "I have spent nearly my whole life on this moon being reared to be a class 1 slave and I have seen the darkness it holds. I have seen fathers, mothers, brothers sell their sisters and daughters. Some of these people would sell their own mother for a few credits. No one has offered kindness without wanting anything in return and would definitely not have offered it earlier in the hangar. I'm trying to understand you Captain. I have never met someone with your ideals..." She paused, afraid to voice what she felt for the first time in her life. It was hope that brought her here. Hope that someone would extend her that kindness, but there was fear there too.

Jast offered her a small smile. "I haven't met a lot of people like me here either. I'm not sure I understand myself half the time. Why I'm here, I mean. Why I work with the people you know," he said, voice seemingly thoughtful. "All I know is some things are right, and some things are wrong. I try to do the right things when I get the chance. So maybe that's helpful to you."

"It is." She replied, offering back a sad smile of her own. "That girl is lucky she snuck aboard your ship. I am starting to wish someone like you was there for me all those years ago..."

“She is. Hopefully she sees it that way.” Jast reached out to give her a brief, reassuring touch, hand to her shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn’t.”

Nima laid her slender hand on top of his, savoring a touch that was given in reassurance, rather than lust. "Thank you for your time Captain. I will leave so you can rest for your trip tomorrow. I wish you safe travels and hope you return with your bounty." She removed her hand from his and stood, using the counter for support. She didnt drink enough alcohol for her to start feeling tispy, the conversation itself was draining on her. She stepped towards Jast and laid a hand on his broad shoulder.

"For luck." She said before laying a soft kiss on his cheek. "Good night Captain."

"Thank you," he answered. "Good night."

Nima didn't remember the walk back to her room. She barely heard the security system recognize her collar and open door to her chambers, she simply walked into the space when it was made available to her. Once the door shut behind her, she pressed her back against it and slid to the floor. It was then that her emotions were allowed to bubble to the surface and for the first time in years, she cried, hugging her knees to her chest for comfort.

@Jackdaw@The Wyrm

Formaroth Part 2: Throne of Lies

A Call Home

Kanna stood absolutely still, her dark brown eyes focused on the opponent in front of her. It was a relatively young man, about the same age as her, holding a bokken at waist level and wearing a practice hakama that matched her own. The kimono was white and tucked into black trousers. White tabi covered their feet. Kanna's own wooden practice sword was also held at her waist, her feet slightly staggered and shoulder width apart on the dark stained wooden floors. The shogun's daughter was patiently waiting for her sparing opponent to strike first.

"Remember Touma, if she lands a strike on you, you're dead." a deep male voice instructed. It came from a tall man, seemingly in his mid thirties with black hair as long as Kanna's, pulled back in a loose ponytail. His name was Toshizo Hijikata and he was the man who lead the Okuri-Okami, an elite samurai unit. He stood on the platform watching their sparring match with experienced eyes. The rest of the Okuri were sitting quietly behind him watching the match. It was their regular mandatory morning practice. The dojo they were occupying was of typical design: white paper walls, double sliding doors that connected the hallway to the room itself, and the practice floors were a step below the staging platform where the group was sitting.

"Begin."

There were a few long moments before Touma finally surged forward, raising his sword above his head to strike her. Kanna did not move until the moment she saw his elbow from the dominant arm indicate the style of attack, his intention to strike the center of her head. It was a basic move and easy to read. Kanna shifted her feet to propel herself forward, her own sword serving as a surface for his to slide against, the end of the handle of her bokken pointed to the ceiling. She then pivoted to her left to swiftly land a tap across his neck.

"Dead."

She stepped back at their instructor's conclusion of the match, giving Touma space and lowering her bokken. He was a new addition to the squad, by recommendation from another unit, and this was his first day of practice. To start with such an introductory sword swing meant he must have been toying with her, assuming she was a weaker opponent with little experience.

"Again and this time Touma, take her seriously."

Both swordsmen resumed their fighting stances and waited for the queue to begin.

"Begin."

This time the young man charged at her with vigor. His swings were moderately heavy handed, but controlled. Even though Kanna was able to deflect his strikes, he gave her no opportunity to return an attack. They both knew that her arms would tired before his, so Kanna had two choices, either to bait out an opening or go on the offensive. She chose to test the first option, feigning fatigue against his blows assuming he still thought her as a lesser fighter. A smirk spread across his face and he moved to knock her sword away, thinking she wouldn't have the strength to recover, maybe even in the hopes that the bokken would fly from her hands and raised his arms once more for an overhead strike. Seizing her chance, she surged forward once more into his space, thrusting the tip of her wooden sword into the hollow of his jaw, stopping him now for a second time.

This time, the word came from her own lips, "Dead." They both stood in silence for a few moments before Touma finally took in a deep breath and stepped back, lowering his bokken. He bowed to her before he spoke. "Thank you for sparring with me and teaching me an important lesson not to underestimate my opponent, Sadatake-sama. I hope that one day you would allow me to face you again."

"Of course Inoue-san. It would be my pleasure to face you again." She returned his gesture and bowed.

Before their instructor could get a word in, the white paper doors of the dojo slid open, revealing her father's messenger. He was shorter than most men, but built for running long distances at a moderate pace making him an ideal messenger. Hijikata met him at the thresh-hold and the two men exchanged whispers before the smaller man departed, his job completed.

"Sadatake, your father wishes for you to travel to the palace. Everyone else, we're running drills!"

They were about a two days ride from her father's estate, as they were currently residing at the castle lead by Takeda Eikichi, the shugo of the Kai province, so Kanna moved quickly to pack her travel bag and saddle her horse. With her belongings in tow, Kanna walked briskly to the stables. She had changed out of her practice hakama, into ones that were for more public settings and designed for women. The kimono itself was a deep red color, with pink sakura blossoms scattered about it's long sleeves. The pants were a silky black with a matching line of cherry blossoms on the hem, placed as if they were being blown by the wind. Her katana and wakizashi were strapped to her left side.

A stable hand helped to saddle her horse, a beautiful young mare with a palomino coat color. A white diamond rested between the mounts eyes, which earned her the name Hoshi, meaning "star". Placing her left foot in the stirrup, she hoisted herself into the plain leather saddle and directed herself south to her father's estate.

---

The journey was easy going from the northern road, as it was regularly patrolled and local farmers kept the peace. She arrived around noon at the North Gate and was greeted by her handmaiden, Hitomi. She was an older woman, having served Kanna since childhood, with greying hair and aging skin. Her once proud frame is shorter than it was. Hitomi greeted her warmly as if she were her own daughter, gathering Hoshi's reigns in her weathered hands.

"Welcome home Kanna-chan!"

"Now Hitomi-san," the young noblewoman started, feigning disappointment, "I am beyond the age for you to be calling me 'Kanna-chan' ".

"Indeed you are and while you have grown into such a beautiful young woman, I still can't help that these old eyes still see the little girl who would cry in frustration when she couldn't tie her own obi!"

A small smile spread across Kanna's face as she bowed to the other woman before dismounting her horse. A stable boy had come during their exchange to retrieve Hoshi, his small hands taking the reins gently from the older woman's. "Take good care of her" she told the boy, before turning back to Hitomi as Hoshi followed the boy obediently. He would make sure her belongings would be sent to her rooms once they removed the tack from Hoshi.

"I have prepared a bath for you and when you are finished I will send word to Daichi-san that you wish to see him."

"How has he been since I've been gone?" she asked. She thought of her twin daily with the foolish hope that maybe his aches would be less, but she knew better. She was there when he was brought back home and had evaluated his body herself. She knew the extent of the damage done to him. A flare of rage ignited in her at the thought of it all, how she wanted nothing more than to inflict the same pain on the people who did it and would slaughter every man, woman, and child of the Imperium if it meant her brother would become whole again.

"He is the same as he was before you left." replied Hitomi, her face neutral. "Come, lets get you cleaned up and into a kimono so you can be fit to see your brother and later, your father."

---

Daichi was seated in the Garden of the Sleeping Stone. It was so named for the pure white stone that sat alone in the middle of a neatly groomed patch of gravel as white as the stone itself. Around the edges, neatly formed and perfectly placed, was a series of little neatly edged gardens filled with small ferns and white flowers. The only mark upon the perfection of the place was the drag mark left by his club foot. How fitting.

He was seated on a bench of white wood that was warm to the touch but, like everything else, it made his hip hurt. He gritted his teeth as he stretched out a leg until it clicked and he gave a small moan of pleasure as he sank back onto the bench. His tongue played along the broken stubs of his teeth as he stared at the stone. He often came here to think and no one bothered him when he did. Meditation was important to him, it allowed him to manage some of his pain, while a hot bath and a massage did much to lessen the remainder of his aliments.

Behind him the white walls of Sadatake Castle towered toward the sky, the tip of a black tiled roof peaking out. In front of him, beyond the stone, stretched the never ending beauty of Akaiba. Green rice patties, thick forests, and bursts of colour where cherry trees blossomed, all of it a stunning tapestry that someone, not him of course, should capture with a brush. The wind that blew today brought with it the smell of the distant snow capped peaks and the fragrant forests that carpeted the lower slopes. The sound of water trickling through a water clock came from somewhere nearby and he closed his eyes, allowing the sound to flow through him.

For a long moment he felt no pain at all. It was as if he had left his own body behind and was now floating weightless above the Sleeping Stone. He could feel no ache, no searing pain, no disgust at his own disfigurement. He was whole once again. Secretly he hoped that one day he might be able to leave his body behind forever as he did now. But not yet. He had revenge to met out first.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The pain and discomfort rushed back immediately and he gave a heavy sigh. He gripped the head of a black ashwood stave that served as his cane and struggled painfully to his feet. He wore a robe of such deep red that appeared almost black that was cute perfectly to hide his feet while not drag along the ground.

"Daichi-sama?" The quiet voice came from a woman clad in a kimono of the same colour. She wore a black mask around the lower half of her face, a pair of swords was thrust into her belt. Only the small red embroidered cherry blossom on her left chest marked her out as one of the Kempeitai.

"Yes, Mamiko-san?"

"Kanna-sama has arrived and is asking for you." The Samurai bowed low as Daichi walked toward her, leaning heavily on his staff. A new drag mark followed behind him; to be erased the moment he left by an attentive servant.

"Is she now!" Daichi brightened up at once before halting abruptly. He hated stairs more than anything else. They had clearly been designed by a sadist who knew that a club footed cripple would one day need to traverse them. At least here, in the Kempeitai wing of the fortress, his father had put in as many ramps or lifts as possible to make Daichi's life somewhat less miserable. "Send her word that I will be in the Tea Room."

Mamiko bowed again and then snapped her fingers. A servant appeared at once, received her orders, and then vanished into the main keep. Daichi began to make his way toward the tea room. It was one of the few rooms in the castle that had small cushioned benches were he could sit with relative ease. He could feel Mamiko at his back but she never once offered to assist him and he felt no pity from her. That was good. He despised those who pitied him.

By the time he reached the tea room a small table was already set with a pot of steaming tea and a kneeling maid. A low bench with its blessed cushion sat on one side, a red pillow fringed with gold sat upon the other. The room itself was simple enough, white paper walls, black wooden frame, and a deep red tatami beneath the pillows and table. A single floor to ceiling window, only possible because of the rooms location above a cliff, looked out over the glittering ocean.

The maid did not look up as he shuffled in, nor did she even twitch as he grunted, lowering himself onto the bench. He stretched out his legs with a groan of pleasure just as the sound of his sisters footsteps sounded on the neatly polished teak floorboards. Mamiko, stationed just outside the door, flashed a hand to her sword but then smiled at someone Daichi could not see. The Samurai bowed and then Kanna stood in the doorway. She wore a traditional black kimono, covered with white cranes and sleeves that fell just short of her knees. The obi was a deep red with golden colored wave patterns and lotus flowers. It was tied in a neat taiko knot at her back. The hiyoku that peaked under the black kimono was a golden color with a white floral pattern and the nagajuban collar that showed underneath the hiyoku robe was a matching deep red to the obi.

Daichi flashed her a toothy smile of jagged teeth and gestured to the cushion across from him. The maid was already pouring the tea. "Welcome sister, please sit. Forgive me for not getting up."

Kanna rushed over to the unoccupied and took a seat, carefully folding the kimono under her knees so it wouldn't wrinkle. "Please, it is not an issue Daichi. You do not have to apologize to me." She reached her slender hands across the table for him to take in his own. "Tell me dear brother, how have you been?"

"As well as can be expected." Daichi replied, reaching out a clawed hand to squeeze her perfect fingers. The swordsman callouses on her palm were rough against the soft skin of his own hand. Even now he was reminded of what he had lost. "How goes the campaign? I know Taketora is returning with the Army, and our new Okin allies in tow."

She ran her thumbs over the back of his hand, feeling the wrongness of his bones. Kanna remembered how strong and capable they used to be. How skilled they once were holding his katana. "It goes well. Under our father's direction, as well as the generals on the field, our enemies were folding easily. Though now that we are at a standstill, it feels... unfinished? We went to war for father to unite all under his banner. What has changed?"
Leaning forward caused his lower back to ache but the touch of another human was so foreign that he remained where he was. As she sipped her tea, and he waited for his to cool enough that it did not hurt his broken teeth, he told her of the news that the Imperium was planning to sail against Seikatsu. Anger filled his voice as he spoke and he at last sat upright, unable to sustain the pain any longer. He had no true news, only the existing whispers and rumours but it was impossible for the Elves to hide preparations of such magnitude. Then he told her of the Ninja attack on Nagai Kenji and the Shoguns subsequent death. Daichi did not directly state that he had orchestrated the attack, but Kanna was clever enough to understand what he had done and what it meant for their family.

"Father leaves tomorrow for Koiba where he intends to press his claim for the throne. I believe he wishes you to go with him." Daichi finished at last. He wanted to go but the travel by horse would to hard on him and so he would remain behind as regent until his fathers return.

Her eyes widened when she realized her selfishness and she quickly pulled back her hands to fold them neatly on her lap, allowing her brother to sit more comfortably. His report left her with mixed feelings of anger towards the impending invasion and excitement towards the goal they have all worked for. Daichi had taken on a different role for their family and she wondered if he enjoyed it. Not because she thought anything bad of it, but because it gave him purpose. "Well, we'll only know of our father's plans once we meet with him, or if anything, Ill give you all the details." She took another sip of her tea, savoring its flavors.

"I would appreciate that." He drained his own cold tea cup and it was instantly refilled by the maid who had cleverly had a second cold pot brought so that he need not wait to drink again. "I have much work to be done in Noiba at this time. There is also the business of ensuring we have agents among our new allies of connivance."
That could not be overstated. The Okin and Naga forces who now marched with the Army of the North were only there because the choice was death for everyone. The Okinese had ceased to exist in all but name, the quality of the forces they could lend to the fight were slightly more than boys with swords, but they would do to soak up arrows.

"Well, in that regard, let me know if I can be of any assistance to you." Kanna expressed as she finished the contents of her cup and stared at the remaining tea leaves. There were fortune tellers who would read the patterns left behind to read someone's future or their destiny. She wondered what it would say about her future and the future of her country, but that thought left her mind as she gently placed the cup down for the maid to refill. She was carving her own destiny, she didn't need leaves to tell her anything otherwise.

By: @Saix and @The Wyrm

Formaroth Part 2: Throne of Lies

Name: Sadatake Kanna

Age: 25

Gender: Female

Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

Position: Noble, Daughter of the Shogun Sadatake Ayeka, Samurai

Personality:
Kanna is a confident young woman and takes after her father in some ways. She is cunning on both the battle field and when dealing with others, often catching her opponents off-guard due to their misogynist views of the capabilities of a woman in a position of power. She has the capacity to be ruthless and will be so when it comes to her twin brother and upholding her father's wishes. Kanna desperately seeks her father's approval to avoid the fate that her mother finds herself trapped in.

However, underneath it all is a compassionate woman who cares for her people and will try to find a fair middle ground when possible, but only if it doesn't interfere with her father's orders. If one is fair with her, she will respond in kind. Offer anything less, and she will respond with malice. She is not generally swayed by emotions and handles most situations with a calm perspective. After a long demanding days, she enjoys taking a nice hot bath followed by some quiet time with a canvas and some brushes.

Weaknesses: Kanna is closest with her twin brother and will do anything for him to a fault. Her biggest fear is to lose her other half on the battlefield and not being able to do anything to stop it. Her next fear is sharing the same fate as her mother, married to a lord who will keep her locked away from the world and all it's wonders. After those two things, there isn't much else she has come to dread on this earth. While Kanna is mostly a calm woman, once she is set off she can have the most terrible temper and act without regard for her own safety or to her limits.

Appearance:

Kanna stands taller than most women of Seikatsu with a height of 5'6" (167.3cm) with skin so pale that she doesn't bother with whitening it with makeup like most other women and thick hair as black as raven's feathers that reaches her lower back. She has a slender, but muscular build, as she trains daily in various combat styles. She has a decently sized chest, about the size of grapefruits, but she keeps her breasts tightly bound so that they don't interfere with her swordplay or serve as a distraction for men.

As cultural standard demands, Kanna is often stoic, showing little emotion other than what is acceptable when in public. In more private settings or when provoked, she'll show more raw feelings. When in the field, she'll wear men's clothing over women's, taking comfort and ease of movement over beauty and societal standards. Because of this, she will also have her hair up in a high ponytail, so that is stays out of her face, rather than spend time on some elaborate up-do. She wears a katana and a wakizashi strapped to her hip for most occasions, showing her status to others as a samurai. The only time she is without either of those blades are when she has to be in a formal setting dressed in a kimono, but she will always have a tanto, a knife about 6" (15cm) long, on her person for protection.

Skills: Kanna is a talented artist, capable of recreating any scene or object from memory with great detail. As a daughter of a Shogun, she is trained in the proper etiquette and customs of her people. In terms of combat, she has the following skills:
Average Swordswoman - Kanna had to modify her sword style to accommodate for the fact that most of her opponents would be able to easily strike her down if she relied on strength alone. Thus, she focuses her training on speed and her ability to parry strikes.
Poor Archer - while she can string a bow and nock an arrow, she has poor aim and will often miss the target.
Average Martial artist - Kanna is a capable martial artist who focuses more on using her opponent's movements against them, rather than trying to use the strength of her blows to win a match.
Adept Strategist while on the field - Kanna is able to analyze the battle in front of her and make decisions accordingly. She shows promise and will flourish under guidance.
Master Rune Lord (Madoushi) specializing in restoration and blood magic - Kanna is a highly skilled rune lord with in depth knowledge of the human anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is also what allows her to be a formidable blood mage as she can cause any wound to become more severe. She often pairs blood magic with her swordsmanship to secure victory in a fight.
Adept equestrian - Kanna has a love for horses.

Background:
Kanna and her twin brother were born in the spring at the height of the cherry blossom blooming period to Sadatake Ayeka, the Shogun of Akaiba. A fitting birth date for the children of a nation who's culture embodies beauty and mortality. Their early years were spent with their mother until they were old enough to hold a bokken, a wooden sword, and it was then that their lives took a different turn. Kanna showed promise as a Madoushi and was trained in the restorative arts until she became a master at the age of 20. During her training and research into her mastery, Kanna also developed skills as a blood mage, becoming useful to her father not only as a healer, but as a weapon of death as well.

Among the less traditional schooling that is not often provided to women, Kanna was taught the way of the sword as well as hand to hand combat, which gave her the status of samurai on top of being the shogun's only daughter. Both skills were modified so that she could fight on equal terms of most men. More traditionally of women of her status, she was taught to read, write, how to behave as a noblewoman, and what is expected of her in society. Her younger days were busy and packed to the brim with studying, but she always found the time to paint and draw as it was her only outlet from the stressors of status.

Determined to be more than just something to marry off for political gain, Kanna has spent her entire life trying to live up to and exceed her father's expectations. The past five years were the most impactful for her as she has shown that she wasn't a burden to the other samurai and was more than capable of holding her own on the field. She has been under the wings of an elite samurai unit, the Okuri-Okami, who answer directly to the shogun. The Okuri are distinguishable from the other samurai by their masks. It's a half mask that covers the lower portion of their faces, from the nose to the chin, with the design of a wolf's snarling muzzle. The Madoushi of the unit wear more full faced wolf masks with only their mouths unobstructed so that they can channel spells more freely. Kanna wears her own mask that depicts a white faced fox with red markings and blackened extremities.

Nar Shaddaa

Khulbe's Palace - Nima Tarkona

---

Nima was among the first of the girls to applaud Jast as she was completely engrossed by the tale he gave to the group and nearly hanging on the edge of her seat. It was just like the fictional stories she would borrow from the library on her downtime. In fact, throw in a love interest and the captain basically had a holo-drama series in the making. Khulbe must have had the same thought because what he said next after praising the captain, was unexpected.

"I should have you visit more often, Jast. Your stories are quite remarkable. This has reminded me of something you might find interesting."

A holo-projector zipped into the room and stopped to hover just past where she sat. It flickered to life to show the image of the famous actor Kade Ritgar. Nima knew his face, as did most of the galaxy. She was watching one of his dramas with the girls just the other day and according to her master, he was due to visit in two weeks time. She glanced over to where her friends were perched on their stools and smirked. She could tell how excited they all were, even Ehottecri couldn't help but share their enthusiasm. Those girls were all die-hard fans of his dramas and had watched every single episode. While the twi'lek was also a fan of his work, she knew that he was a man making a living for himself like almost everyone else in the galaxy and wasn't swayed by his celebrity status. Nima looked forward to meeting him as she was fairly positive Master Khulbe had in mind for her and the girls to try on the new clothes he would be bringing.

Bringing her attention back to their guest, she wondered what life was like beyond these walls. The twi'lek had spent her entire existence sheltered, as something valuable to be safeguarded. Was this to be the rest of her days? Holed up behind the walls of this elaborate palace until she became too old and eventually get sold off, probably back to Olan Fyaar at Madrassa to train new slave girls to be like her? For a brief moment, a flicker of sadness spread across her face and she turned her cheek to hide the slip in her demeanor. She disguised the motion by making it look like she purposely turned to rearrange the skirt of her dress and was glad the Hutt sat behind her.

Nar Shaddaa

Khulbe's Palace - Nima Tarkona

---

A soft chorus of gasps resonated from the group as the girls entered the throne room, amazed by the scenery laid out before them. Being in Khulbe's select group of favorites, or just being his slave in general, meant these girls got to see more than most but that didn't mean they couldn't be awed by the extravagance of the palace. After being allowed a brief moment to appreciate the view, the girls were approached by Zura. Very few were immune to a weapons search when they're in the presence of Master Khulbe and that did not include the slaves. The Falleen woman made quick and efficient work of patting down of all the girls except for Ehottecri. She was searched like the rest of them but Zura's hands were softer, more intimate in the way they explored the Togruta's body for potential weapons. The two women exchanged the same heated look, one that spoke of knowledge of the other in the most intimate of ways possible. Nima assumed Master Khulbe's second in command was rewarded with a slave of her choice as that would be the only reason for such a public display.

With her search complete, Zura directed the girls to their seats and Nima's place was at her master's side. The twi'lek bowed and greeted Khulbe before claiming her spot at the stool provided for her. She settled down gracefully, crossing her ankles beneath her and resting her hands on her lap, her back straight. She was embraced by the Hutt's musky scent but she adjusted quickly, having become more accustomed to his aroma during her time with him. Though the scented candles were a welcomed help.

Her golden eyes surveyed the feast before her, taking in all that her master chose to serve their guests and ignoring her own empty stomach. She scolded herself for not grabbing something earlier and hoped her belly wouldn't betray her. She averted her gaze from the lavish meal only when Jast and Telsa joined the party and offered them a welcoming smile. It almost faltered at the mention of the incident at the hangar during her master's greeting to his guests. The prospect of huge profits weren't enough for the Hutt to forget the intruder on his property.

Nar Shaddaa

Khulbe's Palace - Nima Tarkona

---

Nima stood once more in her closet, pondering over what would best fit the occasion and her master's guest. Appearances were important to Khulbe and so they were important to her. Her survival in his world counted on her ability to be useful to him. She thought of their guest objectively, reflecting upon his interactions with her, how he carried himself, and his deeds.

The captain had morals, for what they were worth, and didn't care too much for what she had worn to greet him. He had treated her like a colleague rather than a sexual object and had ignored her bare skin. During their meeting, all that mattered to the man was his pitch to Khulbe and seemed to focus on little else. So, he most likely wouldn't care much for the more revealing articles of clothing in her closet and thus she ignored those. Nima turned to her more modest pieces, her slender fingers running across the various expensive fabrics until she found something she would be satisfied with.

It was a simple dress. Long, flowy, and made with black satin material. It was a "bandage style", where the woman wearing it could arrange the top portion how she wished. The logo on the inside material indicated it was from Scarif Styles, a company Khulbe had been recently making a lot of purchases from to outfit his girls.

"This will do..." she uttered to herself.

Before grabbing the dress, she took off her gold plated bikini and in it's place she put on laced undergarments that matched the gown, but only the bottoms. The dress itself was enough to support her chest. She pulled it up to her waist, letting the rest of the fabric fall to her feet, and grabbed the long twin strips of fabric that were to make the upper portion of the ensemble. She brought the strips over her shoulders and pulled one over the other so that they crossed snugly across her shoulder blades before bringing both pieces of fabric back to the front to cross underneath her bust, creating another 'x'. She then brought the strips behind her and tied them together in a simple bow that rested on her waistline. She made final adjustments, making sure that her breasts were covered and that the her bow was secure. If it were to come undone, there wouldn't be much keeping the dress on.

Nima wasn't one to care for accessories, but she decided to put on golden metal cuffs around her lekku and a simple matching headband to complete the look. The shoes she kept the same, choosing comfort over an actual heel as this was not the occasion for it. Satisfied with her choices, she left her room to wait for the other girls in the main lounge of the slave quarters. It was of course a spacious room, filled with numerous round sectionals that were built into the floor to provide each group with their own semi-private area complete with a domed hologram projector that would contain audio for each specific group. The Twi'lek was the first of her troupe to be ready for the night, so she made herself comfortable on one of the unoccupied sofas. Not long after her arrival came Ehottecri, who was dressed similarly to Nima, but her dress was an emerald green color. It wasn't a surprise to the crimson skinned woman that her closest friend came to the same conclusions as she did, she used to be number one for a reason. Then came Ona, dressed in an acceptable medium sleeved cocktail dress that was form-fitting and came to her knees. It was a lovely maroon color. The last to arrive was the trio Ash, Iuric'piti, and Uovic'riti, dressed in matching dark grey deep v-neck dresses with thin shoulder straps.

I guess this is as modest as they'll get, she thought to herself. Aloud she praised each woman for their choices and proceeded to direct their party to the throne room where dinner was soon to begin.

@Jackdaw@The Wyrm

Nar Shaddaa

Khulbe's Palace - Nima Tarkona

---

Nima sat quietly at the foot of the dais for the entirety of the meeting between Jast and Khulbe, focusing mainly on their conversation as her eyes wandered about the room. Eventually they had settled on Telsa, who was obviously uncomfortable with the company she found herself in. It made the Twi'lek smile. The woman would have to do better than that if she was going to keep accompanying the captain on his business ventures.

Overall, Nima was impressed with how Jast handled himself during their talk. He seemingly knew how his way around the Hutt, succeeding where many others had failed to do so, but she wasn't expecting the drug pitch. Honestly, she had no idea what the human male was bringing to the table, however, she was still surprised that the one who stood up for a complete stranger was coming to her Master with a substance that will potentially enslave the minds of it's users. She knew Kyber as many of the girls used it, including some of her friends when with their partners of choice. It is forbidden of course but even in a Hutt's palace, there will always be those who think the benefit outweighs the consequence of breaking the rules or that they can get away with it. She has seen others become addicted to the sensory high and it was not a pretty sight nor something she ever wished to experience. With a stronger version available, that addiction will become more prevalent which in turn, would make Master Khulbe even more wealthy should everything succeed as he hopes.

After coming to a pact, the negotiations ended with a dinner invitation. Nima stood with the rest of the girls to see their guests out and receive further instructions for the evening, not realizing the attention she was receiving from the main doorway. The women collectively bowed before leaving and departed in a flurry of cloth and excited whispers. The lethan Twi'lek wasn't in much of a talkative mood, barely adding any substance to the conversation being spearheaded by the other women of her group as they made their way back to their quarters. They talked shamelessly about how they found Jast attractive, speculated his relationship with his female companion, and overall were excited about this new Pink Kyber. The only one of their group who even noted Nima's mood was Ehottecri, as she also was hardly interested in the main conversation. The two women were virtually two sides of the same coin and their friendship was more substantial between each other than with the other women of their troupe.

"A credit for your thoughts?" asked the Togruta woman.

The question coaxed a soft smile from Nima, but she wasn't ready to speak with the other woman as she was still trying to figure out how she felt about the whole situation with the captain herself. "Maybe later Ehottecri? I'm still trying to sort through these thoughts myself." Ehottecri did not press the matter further as she knew Nima would open up to her when she was ready and instead comforted her friend as they walked back to their rooms, wrapping a friendly arm around Nima's shoulders in reply to the Twi'lek's request. She took deliberate care not to crush her head tails.

Once back in her quarter's Nima crashed onto the bed, her crimson skin a stark contrast against the white sheets, and slowly emptied her mind. She had some time before she was needed back at the throne room for dinner but the rare-skinned woman wanted to make sure that she would be focused on the task at hand, so she took the time now to meditate. As soon as her mind cleared, she focused on one singular thing:

"What should I wear?" she asked the room, turning her head to rest her golden eyes on the closet door before eventually sliding off the mattress.

@Jackdaw@The Wyrm

Nar Shaddaa

Nima Tarkona

---

'She's Ours.' He said. Jast's words kept repeating over and over again in the Lethan Twi'lek's head as the situation reached a climax. Nima watched as Boqorro successfully carried the strange girl into the depths of their vessel, still processing what she just witnessed. That girl looked to be about Nima's age with obviously no relation to Jast or his crew and he just stuck his neck out for her. He could have easily turned her in and she would have been Master Khulbe's concern, not his. The Twi'lek had seen it done countless of times. She probably, no definitely, would have ended up like Nima, a slave, but the mysterious girl was now in the relative safety of Jast's freighter.

Something moved in Nima that had died long ago. Hope. Never in her 14 years as a slave did she ever think anyone in the galaxy would stand up for another person's freedom. She was sold at the age of 5, the only people she loved in the entirety of the cosmos were murdered in front of her and she grew up only knowing the life of a slave. She lived her life until this moment accepting this reality that was forced upon her. The situation diffused as quickly as it ignited and they proceeded as planned to the throne room. After Jast and his remaining crew member, Telsa, were disarmed of their weapons, Nima silently lead the party to their destination.

As they entered the throne room, Nima left Jast to take his place at the center in front of Khulbe to rejoin the girls that she had left earlier. They had offered her smiles but she did not return them and simply took her seat among the women. She had an unobstructed view of the meeting and focused her golden gaze intently on Jast. Now what Captain? she thought to herself. She knew Master Khulbe saw what happened at the hangar. Not much gets past the Hutt, especially in his own palace, but she wasn't sure how much of an interest he would take in the matter after the human male began his pitch to the crime lord.